Partnership with Virginia Tech Enables Safer, More Dynamic Aerial Newsgathering
Sinclair, a major U.S. media company, has reached a new milestone in drone journalism. On April 2, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepted Sinclair’s Declaration of Compliance for Operations Over People. With this approval, Sinclair becomes the first broadcast media company authorized to fly drones over people and moving vehicles for news coverage—without needing a special FAA waiver.
The approval allows Sinclair to use specially modified drones that meet FAA safety standards. This means the company can now expand its aerial coverage of news events while following strict procedures designed to keep people safe.
“This approval represents a significant step forward in our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative journalism,” said Scott Livingston, Senior Vice President of News for Sinclair. “By incorporating expanded drone footage, we enhance our coverage of breaking news, local events, weather, and community stories—offering our audiences more compelling and dynamic storytelling. Our ongoing partnership with Virginia Tech has been instrumental in ensuring the highest safety and training standards.”
A Nationwide Drone Program
Sinclair’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program began in 2016. It now spans 50 newsrooms across the country. The team has completed more than 40,000 drone flights. The program includes 148 FAA-certified drone pilots and 540 trained visual observers.
All drone operators receive training through the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), one of the FAA’s designated test sites. This partnership helps Sinclair meet strict federal safety standards while growing its use of drones in journalism.
“Our dedication to safety is paramount and this achievement is the result of more than a year of extensive preparation, testing, and collaboration with industry and government partners,” said Jeff Rose, Sinclair’s UAS Chief Pilot. “We’ve also conducted community outreach meetings in each market where we operate drones, engaging with first responders, Homeland Security, education officials, local government agencies, and the FAA.”
A Partnership Built on Safety
Virginia Tech’s MAAP played a key role in Sinclair’s success. The organization helped test a modified drone using FAA-approved methods, making it possible to meet the requirements for safe operations over people.
“We have worked for years with Sinclair, helping to train their pilots, and I have always been impressed with their professionalism and commitment to safety,” said Tombo Jones, Director for the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership. “We were proud to build on that theme by using our FAA-approved test method to test a modified drone that allows Sinclair’s pilots to meet the FAA’s stringent safety requirements for operating over people or traffic.”
This FAA approval strengthens Sinclair’s leadership in using drones to enhance broadcast news. The company’s trained pilots and upgraded drone fleet are now fully equipped to capture aerial footage in ways that are both safe and compliant.
About Sinclair:
Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and leading provider of local news and sports. The company owns or operates 185 television stations in 86 markets, affiliated with all major broadcast networks. It also owns the Tennis Channel and other multicast networks, including Comet, CHARGE!, TBD/ROAR, and The Nest. Sinclair’s content is delivered via TV, streaming platforms, and NewsON, the country’s largest local news streaming service. For more information, visit www.sbgi.net.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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